Buck Bracket

ABSTRACT

A buck bracket has a body with two slotted apertures. A first slotted aperture has an opening with dimensions sufficient to snuggly accept an end edge of a first buck section and a second slotted aperture has an opening with dimensions sufficient to snuggly accept an end edge of a second buck section. The first slotted aperture is substantially lengthwise parallel to the second slotted aperture and is depth-wise at a 90 degree angle with respect to the second slotted aperture.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending applicationSer. No. 13/451,614, titled “Buck System,” attorney docket number3247.0, filed Apr. 20, 2012, the disclosure of which is hereby includedby reference.

This application is related to U.S. application titled, “Buck System,”which was filed on even date herewith; attorney docket number 3247.2 andinventor Knut Horneland.

For reference and understanding of Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF), U.S.Pat. No. 5,896,714 to Cymbala, et al, issued Apr. 27, 1999, describes anexemplary insulated concrete forming system and is hereby incorporatedby reference.

FIELD

This invention relates to buck systems used for forming an opening in awall and more particularly to a bracket for joining sections of a bucksystem for forming an opening in a poured concrete wall in which theconcrete is poured between Insulated Concrete Forms.

BACKGROUND

Most windows and other openings in buildings include frames (e.g. windowframes) and inserts (e.g. window glass panels, doors, etc.). For framedconstruction, rough framing is constructed before the frames (windowframe, door frame) are installed and the rough framing is constructedsufficiently to support structures above the opening by extra studs andheaders, etc.

For poured concrete installations, generally the frame is not strongenough to withstand the weight of the poured concrete. Furthermore, thetypical frame does not provide sufficient rigidity for the openingsafter the building is completed, the walls are formed around the windowopening, and the concrete dries.

To solve this problem, a rigidifying box or outer-frame called a “buck”is typically formed or built to provide a receptacle or opening intowhich the frames can be mounted after the concrete is poured.

In Modern construction techniques, the walls of portions or of theentire building are formed by pouring concrete into forms or molds. Thismethod has long been done in the fabrication of basement walls, eithercreated on-site or off-site in which an entire wall is pre-fabricatedthen positioned into a vertical position and installed on-site.

Bucks for use with poured concrete walls have been disclosed in theprior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,293 to Anderson, et al,describes a buck system made by extruding vinyl. Bucks of any usefuldimension that are made according to this disclosure are not sturdyenough to withstand the force of wet, poured concrete and, therefore,require many braces to prevent sagging and/or collapse after theconcrete is poured. Furthermore, the described buck system does notadequately accommodate Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs), which havebecome very popular in the construction industry.

In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,070,375 to Anderson, et al,describes a buck system made by extruding vinyl. Again, Bucks of manyuseful dimension that are made according to disclosure are not sturdyenough to withstand the force of wet, poured concrete and, therefore,require many braces to prevent sagging and/or collapse after theconcrete is poured.

In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,530,185 to Scott, et al, describes abuck system for Insulated Concrete Forms that is made of plastic. Again,Bucks of many useful dimensions that are made according to the disclosedsystem are not sturdy enough to withstand the force of wet, pouredconcrete and, therefore, require many braces to prevent sagging and/orcollapse after the concrete is poured.

In all of the above examples, the overall construction, materials anddesign does not provide added structure to the ICF and, for all usefulsizes of frames, requires substantial bracing and squaring (cornerangles).

In general, multiple sections of buck systems are affixed in series in aclosed loop to form an opening of the desired dimensions. It is known touse L-brackets or angle brackets to affix edges of adjacent sections ofthe buck systems. Although using such angle brackets has performedreasonably well in the past, they are difficult to position whilefastening sections of the buck system and much of the force from thepressure of wet concrete has to be supported by these brackets, at leastuntil the concrete sets.

What is needed is a buck bracket system that improves the steps ofaffixing adjacent sections of the buck system and that transfers atleast some of the force onto the edges of adjacent suck system sections.

SUMMARY

The disclosed buck bracket provides a sturdy interface or connectionbetween each pair of buck sections. End edges of the buck sections fitsnuggly into slots of the buck bracket and the slots are positioned atan angle to each other such that the buck sections are held at thatangle with respect to each other.

In one embodiment, a buck bracket is disclosed. The buck bracket has abody with two slotted apertures. A first slotted aperture has an openingdimension that is sufficient to snuggly accept an end edge of a firstbuck section and a second slotted aperture has an opening dimension thatis sufficient to snuggly accept an end edge of a second buck section.The first slotted aperture being substantially lengthwise parallel tothe second slotted aperture and is depth-wise at an angle of 1 to 89degrees with respect to the second slotted aperture.

In another embodiment, a method of making a framed opening in a pouredconcrete foundation is disclosed. The foundation being poured betweentwo insulated concrete foundation walls. The method including providinga plurality of the buck sections that match the desired dimension of theopening and affixing each pair of the plurality of buck sections to anadjacent buck section of the plurality of buck sections using thepreviously disclosed buck bracket, forming a closed geometric shape. Theedges of a first insulated concrete foundation wall of the insulatedconcrete foundation walls are positioned into a first channel of theplurality of buck sections and edges of a second insulated concretefoundation wall of the insulated concrete foundation walls arepositioned into a second channel of the plurality of buck sections.Concrete is then poured between the first insulated concrete wall andthe second insulated concrete wall forming the foundation.

In another embodiment, a buck bracket for affixing two buck sections ata right angle is disclosed. The buck bracket has a body with two slottedapertures. A first slotted aperture has an opening dimension that issufficient to snuggly accept an end edge of a first buck section and asecond slotted aperture has an opening dimension that is sufficient tosnuggly accept an end edge of a second buck section. The first slottedaperture is substantially lengthwise parallel to and is depth-wise at a90 degree angle with respect to the second slotted aperture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill inthe art by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a first example of asection of the buck system.

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of the first example of the bucksystem installed as a window rough frame in an insulated concretefoundation.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a second example of asection of the buck system.

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of the second example of the bucksystem installed as a window rough frame in an insulated concretefoundation.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a third example of asection of the buck system.

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of the third example of the bucksystem installed as a window rough frame in an insulated concretefoundation.

FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a fourth example of asection of the buck system.

FIG. 4B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a modified fourth exampleof a section of the buck system.

FIG. 5A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the modified fourthexample of a section of the buck system of one particular width.

FIG. 5A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the modified fourthexample of a section of the buck system of one particular width.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the modified fourth exampleof a section of the buck system including an angle bracket.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the fourth example of the bucksystem installed as a window rough frame in an insulated concretefoundation.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a buck bracket.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the modified fifth exampleof a section of the buck system.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of two sections of the modifiedfifth example of buck system connected using the buck bracket.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the fifth example of the bucksystem connected using the buck bracket and installed as a window roughframe in an insulated concrete foundation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferredembodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description,the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures.

Throughout the description, the terms “insulated concrete foundation”and “insulated concrete foundation wall” refer the well-known system offabrication of concrete walls, not necessarily limited to foundationwalls, but to any concrete wall of a structure, including interior wallsand higher story walls, etc.

The disclosed buck system provides an anchoring base for windows anddoors that will provide extreme resistance to fenestration failures withwind damage situations such as hurricanes. The disclosed buck systemprovides the proper pull out strength required in the variouswind/hurricane zone areas often required by building and life safetycodes.

Throughout this description, reference is made to various components ofthe buck system by their cross-sectional appearance (e.g., U-shaped andC-shaped). Note that U-shaped and C-shaped are interchangeable, in that,rotating of a U-shape by 90 degrees results in a C-shape, andorientation is not of concern. That being said, U-shape and C-shaperefer to the general cross-sectional shape of, for example, typicalsteel C-studs or any equivalent shape with flat or curved walls, pointedor rounded corners, and with or without closing angled edges.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 1A, a cross-sectional view of a first exampleof the buck section 6 is shown. The buck section 6 is shown installed inan insulated concrete foundation 4/5 in FIG. 1A. The buck section 6 inthis example includes three components: an outer U-shaped member 1, aninner U-shaped member 2 with bent edges 2 a and a hat member 3.

The space between the inside of the side edges of the outer U-shapedmember 1 and the outside of the side edges of the inner U-shaped member2 form channels for receiving the edges of the insulated concretefoundation walls. The insulated concrete foundation walls 4/5 fitbetween snuggly in these channels between the inside of the side edgesof the outer U-shaped member 1 and the outside of the side edges of theinner U-shaped member 2.

The hat is part of and/or affixed to the outside of the base of theouter u-shaped member 1. The components 1/2/3 of the buck section 6 aremade of a sturdy material including, but not limited to, steel, iron,polyvinylchloride (PVC), etc., although steel is preferred. It ispreferred to use a structurally strong material such as steel toeliminate and/or greatly reduce the need for bracing while concrete ispoured into the gap between the insulated concrete foundation walls 4/5.In this, the buck sections 6 receive fluid pressure from the concrete(until the concrete sets) as well as pressure from the weight of theconcrete. The buck section 6 is self-supporting for openings of up toapproximately 3.5 feet when the components 1/2/3 are made of, forexample, 20 gauge steel. For wider spans, it is anticipated that thecomponents 1/2/3 are made from a heavier gauge steel such as 16 gaugesteel and/or minimal bracing is provided during pouring of the concreteand until the concrete sets.

The components 1/2/3 are formed as one piece or held together such aswith fasteners 30 (screws are shown). When screws are used as fasteners30, it is anticipated that the screws are spaced at 8″ distances, thoughany spacing is anticipated.

To create the desired rough frame, a number of sections of the bucksection 6 are provided/cut to the desired dimensions and the sectionsare then fastened to each other by, for example, clips. The exampleshown in FIG. 1B has four sections of the buck system 6 and four clips(not shown) holding the corners of the sections of the buck system 6together. Note that, although a rectangular rough frame is shown in FIG.1B, any shape rough frame is anticipated (e.g., hexagonal, octagonal,etc).

The hat member 3 typically interfaces with the window frame, door frame,etc. When the frame is installed into the rough frame constructed frommultiple sections of the buck section 6, fasteners are typically setthrough the frame and into the buck section 6, in particular, the hat 3of the buck section 6.

In some embodiments, some or the entire gap between the inner sides ofthe hat 3 and the outer side surface of the outer u-shaped member 1 isfilled with a soft material 9 such as Styrofoam. This serves at leasttwo purposes. The soft material 9 reduces flow of concrete into this gapand provides some amount of insulation. It is desired to prevent/reduceflow of concrete into this gap so that, after the concrete is poured andsets, fasteners (e.g. nails, screws, etc. not shown) are not blocked byhardened concrete (e.g. when the frame is installed into the roughframe).

In some embodiments, the base of the inner u-shaped member 2 is linedwith a section of a soft material 8 such as Styrofoam, again providingsome amount of insulation between the concrete and the buck section 6,but also preventing/reducing flow of concrete into this gap so that,after the concrete is poured and sets, fasteners (e.g. nails, screws,etc.) are not blocked by hardened concrete.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 2A, a cross-sectional view of a second exampleof the buck section 10 is shown. The buck section 10 is shown installedin an insulated concrete foundation 4/5 in FIG. 1A. The buck section 10in this example includes three components: two outer Z-shaped members 15and an inner U-shaped member 12 with bent edges 12 a.

The space between the inside of the side edges 13 of the Z-shaped member15 and the outside of the side edges of the inner U-shaped member 12form channels for receiving the edges of the insulated concretefoundation walls. The insulated concrete foundation wall edges 4/5 fitbetween snuggly within these channels between the inside of the sideedges 13 of the Z-shaped member 15 and the outside of the side edges ofthe inner U-shaped member 12.

Each of the Z-shaped members are part of and/or affixed to outersurfaces of the side edges of the inner U-shaped member, for exampleusing screws. The components 12/15 of the buck section 10 are made of asturdy material including, but not limited to, steel, iron,polyvinylchloride (PVC), etc., although steel is preferred. It ispreferred to use a structurally strong material such as steel toeliminate and/or greatly reduce the need for bracing while concrete ispoured into the gap between the insulated concrete foundation walls 4/5.In this, the buck sections 10 receive fluid pressure from the concrete(until the concrete sets) as well as pressure from the weight of theconcrete. The buck section 10 is self-supporting for openings of up toapproximately 3.5 feet when the components 12/15 are made of, forexample, 20 gauge steel. For wider spans, it is anticipated that thecomponents 12/15 are made from a heavier gauge steel such as 16 gaugesteel and/or minimal bracing is provided during pouring of the concreteand until the concrete sets.

The components 12/15 are formed as one piece or held together such aswith fasteners 30 (screws are shown). When screws are used as fasteners30, it is anticipated that the screws are spaced at 8″ distances, thoughany spacing is anticipated.

To create the desired rough frame, a number of the buck section 10 areprovided/cut to the desired dimensions and the sections are thenfastened to each other by, for example, clips. The example shown in FIG.2B has four buck sections 10 and four clips (not shown) holding thecorners of the sections of the buck section 10 together. Note that,although a rectangular rough frame is shown in FIG. 2B, any shape roughframe is anticipated (e.g., hexagonal, octagonal, etc.).

The inner U-shaped member 12 typically interfaces with the window frame,door frame, etc. When the frame is installed into the rough frameconstructed from multiple buck sections 10, fasteners are typically setthrough the frame and into the buck section 10, in particular, thefasteners are set into the outer surface of the base of the U-shapedmember 12 of the buck section 10.

In some embodiments, the base of the inner u-shaped member 12 is linedwith a section of a soft material 8 such as Styrofoam, providing someamount of insulation between the concrete and the buck section 10, butalso preventing/reducing flow of concrete into this area against theinner surface of the base of the U-shaped member 12 so that, after theconcrete is poured and sets, fasteners (e.g. nails, screws, etc.) arenot blocked by hardened concrete.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 3A, a cross-sectional view of a first exampleof the buck section 20 is shown. The buck section 20 is shown installedin an insulated concrete foundation 4/5 in FIG. 1A. The buck section 20in this example includes two components: an outer U-shaped member 21 andan inner U-shaped member 22 with bent edges 22 a.

The space between the inside of the side edges of the outer U-shapedmember 21 and the outside of the side edges of the inner U-shaped member22 form channels for receiving the edges of the insulated concretefoundation walls. The edges of the insulated concrete foundation walls4/5 fit snuggly in these channels between the inside of the side edgesof the outer U-shaped member 21 and the outside of the side edges of theinner U-shaped member 22.

The outer U-shaped member is part of and/or affixed to outer topsurfaces of the inner U-shaped member 22, for example using screws. Thecomponents 21/22 of the buck section 20 are made of a sturdy materialincluding, but not limited to, steel, iron, polyvinylchloride (PVC),etc., although steel is preferred. It is preferred to use a structurallystrong material such as steel to eliminate and/or greatly reduce theneed for bracing while concrete is poured into the gap between theinsulated concrete foundation walls 4/5. In this, the buck sections 20receive fluid pressure from the concrete (until the concrete sets) aswell as pressure from the weight of the concrete above. The bucksections 20 are self-supporting for openings of up to approximately 3.5feet when the components 21/22 are made of, for example, 20 gauge steel.For wider spans, it is anticipated that the components 21/22 are madefrom a heavier gauge steel such as 16 gauge steel and/or minimal bracingis provided during pouring of the concrete and until the concrete sets.

The components 21/22 are formed as one piece or held together such aswith fasteners 30 (screws are shown). When screws are used as fasteners30, it is anticipated that the screws are spaced at 8″ distances, thoughany spacing is anticipated.

To create the desired rough frame, a number of buck sections 20 areprovided/cut to the desired dimensions and the sections are thenfastened to each other by, for example, clips. The example shown in FIG.3B has four buck sections 20 and four clips (not shown) holding thecorners of the buck sections 20 together. Note that, although arectangular rough frame is shown in FIG. 3B, any shape rough frame isanticipated (e.g., hexagonal, octagonal, etc.).

The inner U-shaped member 22 typically interfaces with the window frame,door frame, etc. When the frame is installed into the rough frameconstructed from multiple sections of the buck section 20, fasteners aretypically set through the frame in into the buck section 20, inparticular, the fasteners are set into the outer surface of the base ofthe U-shaped member 22 of the buck 20.

In some embodiments, the base of the inner u-shaped member 22 is linedwith a section of a soft material 8 such as Styrofoam, providing someamount of insulation between the concrete and the buck section 20, butalso preventing/reducing flow of concrete into this area against theinner surface of the base of the U-shaped member 22 so that, after theconcrete is poured and sets, fasteners (e.g. nails, screws, etc.) arenot blocked by hardened concrete.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, cross-sectional views of a fourth exampleof a section of the buck system 40 are shown. This buck system comprisesthree main sections. There are two side section 42/52 and a centersection 60. The side sections 42/52 have outer walls 44/54 and,optionally, inner walls 46/56 (as shown in FIG. 4B). Channels are formedbetween the outer walls 44/54 and either the inner walls 46/56 or thesides of the center section 60. The channels snuggly contain the endedge of the insulated concrete foundation sections 4/5. In someembodiments, barbs 45/55 are included on inside surfaces of the outerwalls 44/54 (inside surface is that which interfaces with the insulatedconcrete foundation panels). Additionally, in embodiments having innerwalls 46/56 (as in FIG. 4B), inside barbs 47/49 are optionally formed onthe inside surfaces of the inside walls 46/56. These barbs 45/47/55/57improve positionability and stability of the buck systems 40 duringinstallation.

It is anticipated that the two side sections 42/52 be fabricated by anymeans known out of any suitable structural material such as extrudedrigid plastic, molded plastic, extruded steel, PVC, etc.

It is anticipated that the center section 60 is also fabricated by anymeans known out of any suitable structural material such as extrudedrigid plastic, molded plastic, extruded steel, PVC, etc., though it ispreferred that the center section 60 be standard metal studs (e.g.steel) of a width selected to approximate the gap between the insulatedconcrete foundation walls 4/5. One such standard metal stud is known inthe industry as C-joists that are typically available in a range ofwidths (e.g. 3⅝″ or 5½″, etc.) and lengths. In such, the metal studs arecut to the appropriate length for the dimensions of the opening.

The side sections 42/52 are fastened to the center section 60 byfasteners 30, for example screws 30. In such, it is preferred, thoughnot required, that the screws be self-tapping and tap into the centersection 60. Any size and number of screws 30 are anticipated at anydesired centers, for example, at 8″ centers.

As in the previous examples, the inner surface of the center section 60is lined with a section of a soft material 8 before pouring of theconcrete (e.g., Styrofoam), again providing some amount of insulationbetween the concrete and the buck section 66, but alsopreventing/reducing flow of concrete into this gap so that, after theconcrete is poured and sets, fasteners (e.g. nails, screws, etc.) arenot blocked by hardened concrete.

The center section 60 is preferably made of a standard C-shape metalstud, but any similar member is anticipated, such as an extruded ormolded plastic section of similar structure.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, cross-sectional views of the modifiedfourth example of a section of the buck system 40 of varying width areshown. The views of FIGS. 5A and 5B demonstrate the flexibility of thebuck system 40 in accommodating various foundation wall thicknesses(distance from the inner surface of one wall 4 of the insulated concretefoundation and the inner side of the opposite wall 5 of the insulatedconcrete foundation 5).

In FIG. 5A, a narrower center section 60 (e.g., 3½″ C-Stud) is used fora narrower foundation such as for a 3½″ concrete foundation (3½″concrete thickness). Similarly, in FIG. 5B, a wider center section 60(e.g. 6″ C-Stud) is used for a wider foundation such as for a 6″concrete foundation. The fourth example buck system 40 is flexible and,for some applications, the side sections 42/52 are fastened to thecenter section 60 when needed so that it is possible to decide on thewidth of the center section 60, for example, at the job site. It isknown in the industry to refer to a 3½ inch wide stud as an x4 stud(e.g. a 2×4 stud), though some studs do not follow this standard usedtypically for pine studs that are cut to, for example, 4″ widths andshrink down to 3½″ width during drying. The goal is to match the actualwidth (as measured) as closely as possible to the resulting width of theconcrete after it is poured into the ICF.

Referring to FIG. 6, a cross-sectional view of the modified fourthexample of a section of the buck system 40 is shown including an anglebracket 62. The angle bracket 62 connects two adjacent sections of bucksystem 40, therefore, for rectangular openings, angle brackets 62 areinstalled at each corner. Although not required, it is anticipated thatnarrower angle brackets are also placed connecting the side sections42/52 to provide added strength. As shown, fasteners 30 affix the anglebrackets 62 to the center sections 60, and/or the side sections 42/52when present. In such, it is preferred, though not required, that thefasteners 30 pass through the center sections 60, then into the anglebracket 62. One example is a self-taping screw 30 that passes through ahole in the center section 60, and then taps into the bracket 62.Although 90 degree angle brackets 62 are shown, any angle is anticipatedto match the geometry of the opening (e.g. hexagon, octagon, etc.).

Referring to FIG. 7, a perspective view of the fourth example of thebuck system 40 is shown installed as a window rough frame in aninsulated concrete foundation 4/5. Four sections of the buck system 40are shown forming a rectangular opening that will later hold, forexample, a window frame (not shown). Two of the four angle brackets 62are shown hidden beneath adjacent center sections 60 of the buck system40, holding the sections of the buck system 40 at substantially rightangles. Although it is preferred to install the angle brackets 62behind/outside of the center sections 62, there is no limitation as tothe location and/or number of angle brackets 62 so long as the anglebrackets 62 maintain a connection between adjacent sections of the bucksystem 40.

Referring to FIG. 8, a perspective view of a buck bracket 162 is shown.The prior examples of angle brackets 62 provided for very little overlapbetween adjacent buck sections. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, theangle bracket 62 holds edges of two sections 60 of the buck system 40 inan abutting position. In this, the angle bracket 62 supplies much of thestrength between the adjacent sections 60. Furthermore, it is possiblefor a slight gap between adjacent sections 60 through which it ispossible for concrete to ooze during pouring. Although such a systemworks perfectly well, the buck bracket 162 provides advantages overL-brackets 62.

The buck bracket 162 has a body, in this example including two sides163/165. The sides 163/165 are formed at an angle to each other in (a 90degree angle in the example shown) though any angle other than zero and180 degrees is anticipated to match the geometry of the opening beingformed in a foundation (e.g. 60 degrees for a hexagonal opening). Ineach side 163/165 is a slotted aperture 164/166. Each slotted aperture164/166 is open at one side for accepting an edge of a buck section 60and closed at a distal side thereby capturing the edge of the bucksection 60 within the slotted aperture 164/166. The first slottedaperture 164 is substantially lengthwise parallel to the second slottedaperture 166 and the first slotted aperture 164 is depth-wise at anangle to the second slotted aperture 166, typically any angle other thanzero degrees and 180 degrees.

The slotted aperture 164 of a first side 163 overlaps the slottedaperture 165 of the second side 166. In this way one buck section 60overlaps the adjacent buck section 60 forming a ‘T’. This overlapprovides enhanced structural strength. For example, as viewed in FIG. 8,as force is exerted downwardly on a horizontal buck section 60 in thefirst slotted aperture 164, the force is supported by the upper edge ofthe adjacent vertical buck section 60 that is positioned in the secondslotted aperture 166. This provides improved strength, for example, whenthe concrete is initially poured. Although not required, it is preferredthat the overlap be approximately the width of, for example, the outerwalls 44/54.

Although optional, the buck brackets 162 are shown with pre-drilledholes or pilot holes 170/172 for accepting fasteners 30 to hold the bucksections 60 within the buck brackets 162. Note, the buck brackets 162are anticipated for use with any buck system, including, but notlimited, to buck systems disclosed here within.

It is anticipated that the buck bracket 162 be made of any suitablematerial, including, but not limited to, sturdy plastic, metal, andpolyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Referring to FIGS. 9 through 11, a modified fifth example of buck system160 is shown. This buck system 160 is made from a single section, moldedor extruded, including four walls 144/180/182/154 and a base 178. Thesubstantially planar side of the base 178 forms the walls of the openingin the foundation into which the window, door, etc., will be installed.The four walls 144/180/182/154 depend, approximately perpendicular froman opposite side of the base 178. Again, the base 178 and four walls144/180/182/154 are formed as one piece, for example, extruded fromsteel or plastic, or molded in the shape shown. Any length isanticipated.

The area between the inner surfaces of the first outer wall 144 and afirst inner wall 180 fits snuggly around a first ICF wall 4 as shown inFIG. 11. The area between the inner surfaces of the second outer wall154 and the second inner wall 182 fits snuggly around a second ICF wall5 as shown in FIG. 11. The distance between the inner walls 180/182 ispreferably similar to the width of the concrete (after it is pouredbetween the walls 4/5 of the ICF.

After connecting the sections of this buck system 160 and connectingthem with the ICF, concrete poured between the walls 4/5 of the ICFflows into the channel between the inner walls 180/182. Although shownwith a C-shaped cross section having edge flanges 185, any shape edge isanticipated. Note, the example shown has optional barbs 145/155, thoughthe barbs 145/155 are not present in all embodiments. When present, thebarbs 145/155 help position and hold the buck system 160 to the walls4/5 of the ICF until the concrete is poured and sets.

In FIG. 10, two sections 160 of the fifth buck system are shown beingjoined by the buck brackets 162. Note that although three buck brackets162 are shown joining two adjacent buck sections 160, any number of buckbrackets 162 (at least one) is anticipated, depending upon the size ofthe opening and strength required.

In FIG. 11, one section 160 of the fifth buck system is shown with buckbrackets 162, ready to be connected to an adjacent section 160 of thefifth buck system. The section 160 of buck system is shown placed overthe two sides 4/5 of the ICF. Note, it is fully anticipated to includethe soft material barrier 8 (as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 3A, 4A, and4B) in any of the described buck systems, including those shown in FIGS.9 through 11. When included, the soft material barrier 8 (e.g. Styrofoamor other soft material) improves insulation and provides a barrier tothe concrete that, after the concrete sets, improves the ability toscrew or nail into the surface 178 of the buck sections 160.

Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above suchthat they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially thesame way for achieving substantially the same result.

It is believed that the system and method as described and many of itsattendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. Itis also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may bemade in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereofwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or withoutsacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein beforedescribed being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. Itis the intention of the following claims to encompass and include suchchanges.

What is claimed is:
 1. A buck bracket comprising: a body having twoslotted apertures, a first slotted aperture of the two slotted apertureshaving an opening dimension sufficient to snuggly accept an end edge ofa first buck section, a second slotted aperture of the two slottedapertures having the opening dimension sufficient to snuggly accept anend edge of a second buck section, the first slotted aperture beingsubstantially lengthwise parallel to the second slotted aperture and thefirst slotted aperture being depth-wise at an angle of 1 to 89 degreeswith respect to the second slotted aperture.
 2. The buck bracket ofclaim 1, wherein the angle is 90 degrees.
 3. The buck bracket of claim1, further comprising a plurality of pilot holes.
 4. The buck bracket ofclaim 1, wherein a depth of the first slotted aperture is approximatelyequal to a height of a side section outer wall of the second bucksection.
 5. The buck bracket of claim 1, wherein the buck bracket ismade from polyvinyl chloride.
 6. A method of making a framed opening ina poured concrete foundation, the foundation poured between twoinsulated concrete foundation walls, the method comprising: providing aplurality of the buck sections that match the desired dimension of theopening; affixing each pair of the plurality of buck sections to anadjacent buck section of the plurality of buck sections using a buckbracket of claim 1, forming a closed geometric shape; positioning edgesof a first insulated concrete foundation wall of the insulated concretefoundation walls into a first channel of the plurality of buck sections;positioning edges of a second insulated concrete foundation wall of theinsulated concrete foundation walls into a second channel of theplurality of buck sections; and pouring concrete between the firstinsulated concrete wall and the second insulated concrete wall.
 7. Themethod of claim 6, further comprising the step of affixing each of thebuck sections to corresponding buck brackets using fasteners.
 8. Themethod of claim 6, wherein the angle is 90 degrees and the framedopening is rectangular.
 9. The method of claim 6, wherein the buckbracket is made from polyvinyl chloride.
 10. A buck bracket for affixingtwo buck sections at a right angle, the buck bracket comprising: a bodyhaving two slotted apertures, a first slotted aperture of the twoslotted apertures having an opening dimension sufficient to snugglyaccept an end edge of a first buck section of the two buck sections, asecond slotted aperture of the two slotted apertures having the openingdimension sufficient to snuggly accept an end edge of a second bucksection of the two buck sections, the first slotted aperture beingsubstantially lengthwise parallel to the second slotted aperture and thefirst slotted aperture being depth-wise at a 90 degree angle to thesecond slotted aperture.
 11. The buck bracket of claim 10, furthercomprising a plurality of pilot holes.
 12. The buck bracket of claim 10,wherein a depth of the first slotted aperture is approximately equal toa height of a side section outer wall of the second buck section. 13.The buck bracket of claim 10, wherein the buck bracket is made frompolyvinyl chloride.